Advanced Engine Performance Diagnosis 6/E
Chapter 13 Ignition System Operation
Opening Your Class
KEY ELEMENT
EXAMPLES
Introduce Content
This course or class provides complete coverage of the components,
operation, design, and troubleshooting. It correlates material to task
lists specified by ASE and NATEF and emphasizes a problem-solving
approach. Chapter features include Tech Tips, Frequently Asked
Questions, Real World Fixes, Videos, Animations, and NATEF Task
Sheet references.
Explain how the knowledge of how something works translates into
the ability to use that knowledge to figure why the engine does not
work correctly and how this saves diagnosis time, which translates
into more money.
Motivate Learners
State the learning
objectives for the chapter
or course you are about to
cover and explain this is
what they should be able
to do as a result of
attending this session or
class.
Explain the chapter learning objectives to the students.
Establish the Mood or
Climate
Complete Essentials
Clarify and Establish
Knowledge Base
Provide a WELCOME, Avoid put downs and bad jokes.
1. Prepare for ASE Engine Performance (A8) certification
test content area “B” (Ignition System Diagnosis and
Repair).
2. Explain how ignition coils create 40,000 volts.
3. Discuss crankshaft position sensor and pickup coil
operation.
4. Describe the operation of waste-spark and coil-on-plug
ignition systems
Restrooms, breaks, registration, tests, etc.
Do a round robin of the class by going around the room and having
each student give their backgrounds, years of experience, family,
hobbies, career goals, or anything they want to share.
NOTE: This lesson plan is based on Advanced Engine
Performance Diagnosis 6/E Chapter Images found on
Jim’s web site @ www.jameshalderman.com
LINK CHP 13: Chapter Images
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
1. SLIDE 1 CH13 Ignition System Operation
Check for ADDITIONAL VIDEOS & ANIMATIONS
@ http://www.jameshalderman.com/
WEB SITE REGULARLY UPDATED
Videos
At the beginning of this class, you can download the
crossword puzzle & Word Search from the links
below to familiarize your class with the terms in this
chapter & then discuss them
Crossword Puzzle (Microsoft Word) (PDF)
Word Search Puzzle (Microsoft Word) (PDF)
2. SLIDE 2 EXPLAIN Figure 13-1 point-type distributor
from a hot rod being tested on a distributor machine.
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW A POINT-TYPE
DISTRIBUTOR. REVIEW ITS MAJOR
COMPONENTS & SHOW HOW TO SET AIR GAP.
SHOW MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A DISTRIBUTOR
IGNITION SYSTEM.
HANDS-ON TASK: PASS AROUND POINT-TYPE
DISTRIBUTOR & HAVE STUDENTS SET AIR GAP
3. SLIDE 3 EXPLAIN Figure 13-2 primary ignition system
is used to trigger and therefore create the secondary (highvoltage) spark from ignition coil. Some ignition coils are
electrically connected, called married (top figure) whereas
others use separated primary and secondary windings,
called divorced (lower figure).
DISCUSSION: DISCUSS THE PRIMARY &
SECONDARY IGNITION CIRCUITS. HOW DO 2
CIRCUITS FUNCTION INDEPENDENTLY & HOW DO
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
THEY INTERACT? FIGURE 13-2
4. SLIDE 4 EXPLAIN Figure 13-3 steel laminations used
in an E coil helps increase the magnetic field strength,
which helps the coil produce higher energy output for a
more complete combustion in the cylinders.
5. SLIDE 5 EXPLAIN Figure 13-4 primary windings are
inside secondary windings on this General Motors coil.
6. SLIDE 6 EXPLAIN Figure 13-5 primary ignition system
is used to trigger and therefore create the secondary (highvoltage) spark from the ignition coil.
DISCUSSION: HAVE THE STUDENTS TALK ABOUT
IGNITION COIL OPERATION. WHAT PROCESS
DOES AN IGNITION USE TO PRODUCE A HIGHVOLTAGE SPARK FROM AN IGNITION COIL?
DISCUSSION: HAVE THE STUDENTS DISCUSS
THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IGNITION COIL. WHAT
IS AT THE CORE OF AN IGNITION COIL? WHAT IS
THE PURPOSE OF CORE? FIG 13-3. 4, & 5
HANDS-ON TASK: HAVE STUDENTS
DISASSEMBLE OLD COILS. HAVE THEM
IDENTIFY INTERNAL COMPONENTS AND POINT
OUT ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. OPTION:
STUDENTS DRAW OR DESCRIBE THE PRIMARY AND
SECONDARY CIRCUITS. REFER TO FIGURES
13–3, 13–4, & 13–5 AS NEEDED.
EXPLAIN WARNING
DEMONSTRATION: REVIEW WITH STUDENTS
HOW TO USE A HAND-HELD OSCILLOSCOPE
(GMM), INCLUDING SETUP AND INTERPRETING
WAVEFORM PATTERNS. THEN SHOW THEM HOW
TO CHECK PICKUP ON AN ELECTRONIC
IGNITION SYSTEM USING AN OSCILLOSCOPE
DISCUSSION: USING AN IGNITION SYSTEM
WIRING DIAGRAM, HAVE THE STUDENTS LOCATE
TRIGGERING DEVICE. HOW DOES THIS
TRIGGERING DEVICE WORK?
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
HALL EFFECT SENSOR
7. SLIDE 7 EXPLAIN Figure 13-6 Operation of a typical
pulse generator (pickup coil). At the bottom is a line
drawing of a typical scope pattern of the output voltage of
a pickup coil. The ICM receives this voltage from pickup
coil and opens the ground circuit to the ignition coil when
the voltage starts down from its peak (just as the reluctor
teeth start moving away from pickup coil).
DEMONSTRATION: USING OSCILLOSCOPE,
SHOW WAVEFORM PATTERN OF PULSE
GENERATOR. COMPARE PATTERN WITH FIG 13–6
8. SLIDE 8 EXPLAIN Figure 13-7 A magnetic sensor
uses a permanent magnet surrounded by a coil of wire. The
notches of the crankshaft (or camshaft) create a variable
magnetic field strength around the coil. When a metallic
section is close to the sensor, the magnetic field is stronger
because metal is a better conductor of magnetic lines of
force than air.
9. SLIDE 9 EXPLAIN Figure 13-8 A Hall-effect sensor
produces an on-off voltage signal whether it is used with a
blade or a notched wheel.
10. SLIDE 10 EXPLAIN Figure 13-9 Some Hall-effect
sensors look like magnetic sensors. This Hall-effect
camshaft reference sensor and crankshaft position sensor
have an electronic circuit built in that creates a 0 to 5 volt
signal as shown at bottom. These Hall-effect sensors
have 3 wires: a power supply (8 volts) from the computer
(controller), a signal (0 to 5 volts), and a signal ground.
DEMONSTRATION: USING AN OSCILLOSCOPE
SHOW WAVEFORM PATTERNS OF MAGNETIC
SENSOR & HALL-EFFECT SENSOR. COMPARE THESE
SCOPE PATTERNS WITH FIGURES 13–7 & 8
DISCUSSION: DISCUSS HALL EFFECT. HOW IS
HALL-EFFECT SWITCH DIFFERENT FROM
MAGNETIC PULSE GENERATOR? FIG 13-7 & 8
11. SLIDE 11 EXPLAIN Figure 13-10 (a) Typical optical
distributor.
12. SLIDE 12 EXPLAIN Figure 13-10 (b) Cylinder I slit
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
signals computer piston position for cylinder I. The 1degree slits provide accurate engine speed information to
PCM.
EXPLAIN TECH-TIP ON PAGE 181
HANDS-ON TASK: HAVE STUDENTS REMOVE A
DISTRIBUTOR FROM A VEHICLE WITH OPTICAL
SENSOR, REVIEW SVC INFO. HAVE THEM ID
DISTRIBUTOR COMPONENTS & TEST CRANK ANGLE
SENSOR. HAVE THEM DISASSEMBLE DISTRIBUTOR,
REMOVING SHAFT & NOTING BUSHING/BEARING
& SEAL AREAS: FIGURES 13-9 & 10
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW HOW TO INSPECT A
TORQUE CONVERTER DRIVE PLATE.
HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF A THOROUGH
INSPECTION TO AVOID A DRIVEABILITY
CONDITION. FIGURE 13-9
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW HOW TO REPLACE
CRANKSHAFT (CKP)/CAMSHAFT POSITION
SENSORS (CMP) & MAKE ADJUSTMENTS USING
A GAUGING TOOL. SHOW HOW TO MONITOR
CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS
USING SCAN TOOL
DEMONSTRATION: REVIEW CAMSHAFT &
CRANKSHAFT TIMING. USE OPENED TIMING
COVER TO EMPHASIZE TIMING MARKINGS AND
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO PISTON & VALVE
POSITIONS
13. SLIDE 13 EXPLAIN Figure 13-11 light shield being
installed before the rotor is attached.
14. SLIDE 14 EXPLAIN Figure 8-12 firing order is cast or
stamped on the intake manifold on most engines that
have a distributor ignition
EXPLAIN TECH-TIP ON PAGE 182
HANDS-ON TASK: HAVE STUDENTS IDENTIFY
PROPER FIRING ORDER FOR A SELECTED
VEHICLE IN THE SHOP. THEN HAVE THEM VERIFY
THE SPARK PLUG WIRE ROUTING. GRADE THEM
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
ON THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE TO FIND
THE FIRING ORDER AND LOCATION OF THE SPARK
PLUG WIRES. FIGURE 13-12
Waste Spark Ignition System 1
Waste Spark Ignition System 2
15. SLIDE 15 EXPLAIN Figure 13-13 waste-spark system
fires one cylinder while its piston is on the compression
stroke and into paired or companion cylinders while it is
on the exhaust stroke. In a typical engine, it requires only
about 2 to 3 kV to fire the cylinder on the exhaust stroke.
The remaining coil energy is available to fire the spark
plug under compression (typically about 8 to 12 kV).
DEMONSTRATION: DEMO WASTE-SPARK
IGNITION SYSTEM OPERATION: FIGURE 13-13
16. SLIDE 16 EXPLAIN Figure 13-14 Typical wiring
diagram of V-6 waste-spark ignition system. PCM is in
control of ignition timing based on information from
various engine sensors including RPM, MAP & engine
coolant temperature (ECT). Timing signal is sent to
module through electronic spark timing (EST) wire
DISCUSS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
17. SLIDE 17 EXPLAIN Figure 13-15 The slight (5
microsecond) difference in the firing of the companion
cylinders is enough time to allow the PCM to determine
which cylinder is firing on the compression stroke. The
compression sensing ignition (CSI) signal is then
processed by the PCM which then determines which
cylinder is on the compression stroke.
EXPLAIN TECH-TIP ON PAGE 184
DISCUSSION: DISCUSS WASTE-SPARK
IGNITION SYSTEMS. REVIEW REVERSE
POLARITY THAT IS OCCURRING IN A DIS. WHAT IS
PATH OF CURRENT? FIGURE 13-13, 14, 15
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
DISCUSSION: HAVE THE STUDENTS REVIEW THE
PURPOSE OF A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR (CKP).
WHY IS THERE ADJUSTMENT ON SOME ENGINES?
DEMONSTRATION: USING IGNITION
OSCILLOSCOPE, SHOW STUDENTS TYPICAL
CONNECTING PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING
IGNITION PATTERNS.
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW LAB VEHICLE WITH
AN IGNITION MODULE UNDER COIL PACK.
REMOVE IGNITION MODULE & DEMO TESTING PIN
LOCATIONS.
YOU SHOULD NOT CHECK FOR SPARK BY PULLING
PLUG WIRE ON RUNNING ENGINE. IN ADDITION
TO RISKING PERSONAL INJURY, YOU COULD
DAMAGE OR SHORTEN ELECTRONIC IGNITION
COMPONENTS LIFE. METHOD OF CHECKING FOR
CYLINDER FIRING WAS USED ON OLDER SYSTEMS.
SHOW ANIMATION: COIL-ON-PLUG OP
COIL-ON-PLUG IGNITION SYSTEM
18. SLIDE 18 EXPLAIN Figure 13-16 PCM uses input
data from all of the engine sensors including the
crankshaft position (CKP) senor and determines the
optimum ignition timing, then triggers the primary
ignition circuit to fire the spark plugs.
19. SLIDE 19 EXPLAIN Figure 13-17 An overhead
camshaft engine equipped with variable valve timing on
both the intake and exhaust camshafts and the coil-onplug ignition.
20. SLIDE 20 EXPLAIN Figure 13-18 Chrysler Hemi V-8
that has two spark plugs per cylinder. The coil on top of
one spark plug fires that plug and, through a spark plug
wire, fires a plug in the companion cylinder.
EXPLAIN SAFETY-TIP
DISCUSSION: HAVE STUDENTS STUDY AND
DISCUSS FIGURE 13–16. WHAT COP
IGNITION SYSTEM ELIMINATE?
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW THE STUDENTS COP
IGNITION SYSTEMS WITH 2 & 3 PRIMARY WIRES
AND EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES.
DISCUSSION: HAVE STUDENTS STUDY AND
DISCUSS FIGURE 13–16. WHAT DOES THE
COIL-ON-PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEM
ELIMINATE?
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW THE STUDENTS COP
IGNITION SYSTEMS WITH 2 & 3 PRIMARY WIRES
AND EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCES.
21. SLIDE 21 EXPLAIN Figure 13-19 DC voltage is
applied across the spark plug gap after the plug fires and
the circuit can determine if the correct air-fuel ratio was
present in the cylinder and if knock occurred. The
applied voltage for ION sensing does not jump spark
plug gap but rather determines the conductivity of the
ionized gases left over from the combustion process.
HANDS-ON TASK: HAVE STUDENTS DRAW
WIRING DIAGRAMS OF 2 & 3 WIRE COP PRIMARY
IGNITION SYSTEMS. GRADE THEM ON ACCURACY
DISCUSSION: HAVE STUDENTS STUDY FIGURE
13–19 AND DISCUSS ION-SENSING IGNITION
SYSTEMS. WHAT IS PURPOSE OF MEASURING
ELECTRICITY CONDUCTED BY IONIZED
COMBUSTION FLAME?
22. SLIDE 22 EXPLAIN Figure 13-20 typical knock sensor
on side of block. Some are located in “V” of a V-type
engine and are not noticeable until the intake manifold
has been removed.
DEMONSTRATION: SHOW LOCATION OF KNOCK
SENSOR AND DEMONSTRATE TESTING
PROCEDURE. DISCUSS KNOCK SENSOR’S PURPOSE.
FIGURE 13–20
HANDS-ON TASK: HAVE THE STUDENTS TEST
KNOCK SENSORS ON SHOP VEHICLES USING GMM
& SCAN TOOL. HAVE THEM DRAW WAVEFORMS
THEY DETECT TO START BUILDING A LIBRARY OF
KNOWN-GOOD KNOCK SENSOR WAVEFORMS.
ICONS
Ch13 Ignition System Operation
FIGURE 13–20
23. SLIDE 23 EXPLAIN Figure 13-21 typical waveform
from a knock sensor during a spark knock event. This
signal is sent to the computer which in turn retards the
ignition timing. This timing retard is accomplished by an
output command from the computer to either a spark
advance control unit or directly to the ignition module
DISCUSSION: HAVE THE STUDENTS TALK ABOUT
WHAT HAPPENS WITH SOME ENGINE COMPUTERS
WHEN THEY DETECT KNOCK SENSOR SIGNALS
AT IDLE SPEED. WHY SHOULD KNOCK SENSORS
BE CHECKED AT OFF IDLE IN ORDER TO ISOLATE A
TRUE ENGINE KNOCK CONDITION?
DISCUSS REAL WORLD FIX
24. SLIDE 24 EXPLAIN Figure 13-22 SPOUT connector
on a Ford that is equipped with a distributor ignition.
This connector has to be disconnected to separate the
PCM in order to set base ignition timing
DISCUSSION: HAVE STUDENTS DISCUSS
BYPASS IGNITION CONTROL. WHAT
CONTROLS TIMING?
DISCUSSION: DISCUSS UP-INTEGRATED
IGNITION CONTROL. WHAT IS DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN A BYPASS IGNITION CONTROL CIRCUIT
AND UPINTEGRATED IGNITION?
ON-VEHICLE NATEF TASK RESEARCH
APPLICABLE VEHICLE AND SERVICE
INFORMATION, SUCH AS IGNITION SYSTEM
IDENTIFICATION